Squirrel- and Deer-Proof Bulbs: What to Plant Instead of Tulips

Tulips are, unfortunately, squirrel and deer candy — bulbs get dug up over winter and flowers get grazed the moment they open. If that’s a recurring problem in your garden, several other bulbs give a similar spring display without the losses.

Why some bulbs get left alone

Daffodils, alliums and fritillaries all contain compounds that make them unpalatable or mildly toxic to browsing animals and rodents, so they're reliably left untouched even in gardens where tulips never survive the winter.

Daffodils

Narcissus 'Dick Wilden' (buy from Thompson & Morgan →) gives a strong, reliable spring display with none of the tulip risk.

Alliums

Allium 'Schubertii' (buy from Thompson & Morgan →) adds an architectural, firework-like flowerhead that's both pest-resistant and a genuine talking point in the border.

Fritillaries

As covered in our fritillaries guide, their musky scent is a natural deterrent — worth combining with the above for a border that's almost entirely pest-proof.

Hardy orchids are naturally left alone too

Hardy orchids such as Dactylorhiza are rarely troubled by deer or squirrels, making them a safe companion planting choice alongside this pest-resistant bulb line-up.